Swing training bat

ABSTRACT

A swing training includes a bat body having a handle, a barrel and a tapered section joining the handle. The bat body is adapted for hitting a pitched ball. A locking grip is adjustably fixed to the handle and has a bottom end knob and a top end knob. A sliding grip is mounted on the handle and movable between the locking grip and the barrel. The sliding grip has a bottom end knob for stopping the movement of the sliding grip in the direction of the locking grip.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application is based on and claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 60/571,627 filed on May 17, 2004, the disclosureof which is incorporated herein by this reference.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to apparatus for developing a batter'sswing mechanics in hitting a ball and for improving strength in themuscles used for hitting. More particularly, it relates to a swingtraining bat for baseball and softball that helps teach the batter theproper swing path to the baseball and to improve bat control, bat speed,and hand-eye coordination by conditioning and strengthening the musclesused for the swing as well as communicating to the brain and theneuromuscular system the proper feel of a good swing.

Baseball provides one of the toughest challenges in all ofsports—hitting a spherical ball with a bat having a rounded strikingsurface. One of the greatest difficulties facing players is the properswing mechanics to perform this daunting task, which ultimately measuresones success in the game. During a proper batting swing, varioussegments of the batter's body progress through sequence of accelerationsand decelerations, i.e. a kinematic sequence, to transfer energyeffectively from the ground through the body and into the bat. Themuscles of each of these body segments contribute to the swing and mustbe trained in the proper kinematic sequence. Briefly described, theproper kinematic sequence occurs as follows: First, the pelvis beginsrapidly rotating toward the pitcher, momentarily leaving the uppertorso, shoulders and arms behind. After reaching its peak rotationalspeed, the pelvis rapidly decelerates and energy from the rotation ofthe pelvis is transferred to the shoulders. The shoulders in turn reacha higher peak rotational speed and then decelerate, passing their energyto the arms. The arms repeat this action passing their energy to theback, which reaches a peak rotational speed at a point in time very nearto the time that the bat impacts the ball. This, in a layman's term,results in the “whipping” action of the bat.

Proper swing technique encompasses proper hand placement and bodymovement to provide the proper swing path, as well as optimal batacceleration, and ample power to hit the ball. The upper cut swing isprobably one the most incorrect swing paths that hitters use when tryingto hit the baseball. This is when the head portion of the bat passesunderneath the baseball resulting in no contact or improper contact.Another fundamental problem that hitters face is making contact with theball along the heavier or “sweet spot” portion of the bat. This portionof the bat provides the most hitting surface and power. Players' swingpaths and lack of strength through the impact zone is often the cause ofthis problem.

To increase the power of a batter's swing, one needs to increase theweight of the batter's bat as well as the speed of the bat swing at thepoint of impact with the ball. To do this, a batter needs to developstrength as well as bat speed. At the same time, the batter also mustlearn the proper mechanics of the swing. The best way to give the batterfeedback as to whether he or she is using proper mechanics is to hitlive pitching so that the batter can immediately see the results of theswing.

Previous devices to help improve a batter's swing are available, butthey typically do not provide training for the proper swing mechanics,conditioning and strength training and feedback all in one device. Someswing trainers only help the batter to determine optimal batacceleration or simply increase bat resistance by increasing the weightof the bat. A batter can increase muscle mass by increasing the weightof the bat he or she must swing, but still have poor swing technique.Further, bat acceleration can be achieved even if the batter's swingtechnique is poor. Therefore, none of the training bats described aboveis capable of teaching a batter proper swing technique.

One device, disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. U.S.2002/0055402, published May 9, 2002, discloses a swing trainer that canbe used to improve a batter's swing mechanics as well as conditioningand strength. The device, however, cannot be used to hit live pitchingand therefore lacks to simulate a true game batting situation and toprovide feedback to the batter as to how well he or she is hitting theball.

In view of the above discussion, there exists a need for an improvedswing training bat that can provide training for the proper swingmechanics, conditioning and strength training and that also can be usedto hit live pitching. Accordingly, it is an object of the presentinvention to provide such a device.

It is another object of the invention to provide such a swing trainingbat that is readily adaptable to individual batters and allows fordifferences in age, body frame, height and strength.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a swingtraining bat that is relatively easy to manufacture and use.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a swing training batthat allows the batter to obtain immediate feedback to the batter as tohow well he or she is actually hitting the ball.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a method for trainingthe proper swing mechanics and for simultaneously providing conditioningand strength training as well as immediate feedback to the batter as tohow well he or she is actually hitting the ball.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth inthe description that follows, and in part will be apparent from thedescription, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectsand advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by theinstrumentalities and combinations pointed out herein.

SUMMARY

To achieve the foregoing objects, and in accordance with the purposes ofthe invention as embodied and broadly described in this document, thereis provided a swing training bat including a bat body having a handle, abarrel and a tapered section joining the handle. The bat body is adaptedfor hitting a pitched ball. A locking grip is adjustably fixed to thehandle and has a bottom end knob and a top end knob. A sliding grip ismounted on the handle and movable between the locking grip and thebarrel. The sliding grip has a bottom end knob for stopping the movementof the sliding grip in the direction of the locking grip. The batincludes means for stopping movement of the sliding grip in thedirection of the barrel.

In one advantageous embodiment, the bat body is fabricated from asuitable metal, such as aluminum. The handle and the barrel are adaptedto receive interchangeable weighted inserts. The barrel is hollow andbat includes weighted members adapted to be inserted and secured intothe barrel. Likewise, the handle is hollow and the bat includes weightedmembers adapted to be inserted and secured into the handle. The handlecan have an end knob that is removable and interchangeable with endknobs of differing weights. The locking grip and the sliding grip can befabricated from aluminum.

A batter may place one hand on the locking grip and the other hand onthe sliding grip and the person may simulate batting by swinging the batwhile simultaneously moving the sliding grip along the bat body from afirst position near the barrel to a second position near the lockinggrip. The locking grip can include an end knob adapted to clamp thelocking grip to the handle. The means for stopping movement of thesliding grip in the direction of the barrel can include an end knobadapted to restrict the movement of the sliding grip in the direction ofthe barrel. The means for stopping movement of the sliding grip in thedirection of the barrel can include a collet secured to the bat body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate the presently preferred methodsand embodiments of the invention and, together with the generaldescription given above and the detailed description of the preferredmethods and embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles ofthe invention.

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of one embodiment of a swing trainingbat according to the present invention with a partial sectional viewshowing the structure of the bat body with the locking and sliding gripsin place on the bat handle.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the locking grip shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken through line 3—3 of FIG. 2showing the structure of one of the locking grip end knobs.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the sliding grip shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the end knob of the bat of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the end knob of the bat of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a swing trainingbat according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the top end knob of the locking grip shownin FIG. 7, showing how the locking grip is held in a fixed position onthe bat handle.

FIGS. 9A-E show a batter swinging the embodiment of FIG. 1 with one handon the locked grip and the other hand on the sliding grip, progressingfrom the starting position (FIG. 9A), to a position where the batterbegins sliding the sliding grip down the bat handle toward the lockedgrip (FIG. 9B), to a mid-point of the swing (FIG. 9C), to a positionwhere the sliding grip contacts the locked grip (FIG. 9D) and to thecompletion of the swing (FIG. 9E).

DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a swing training bat 10 inaccordance with the present invention is depicted. The swing trainingbat 10 has a body 11 familiar ball bat shape with agenerally-cylindrical handle 12 at one end and a generally-cylindricalbarrel 14 at the other to provide an impact area for striking a ball. Atapered section 13 connects the smaller diameter handle 12 to the largerdiameter barrel 14. The bat body 11 is of hollow construction usingmetal or other suitable materials, as is known in the art. A barrel endcap 15 is fixed to the end of the barrel 14. A bat end knob 16 is fixedto end of the handle 12. A tubular locking grip 18 is fixed over theshaft 12 near the end knob 16. The locking grip 18 has a bottom annularend knob 20, a top annular end knob 22 and a tubular gripping member 24for a batter to grip with his or her bottom hand. A tubular sliding grip26 is mounted over the shaft 12 so that it can move along the shaft 12between the barrel 14 and the locking grip top end knob 22. The batincreased diameter of tapered section 13 acts as a stop to restrict thesliding grip 26 from sliding too far toward the barrel 14. The slidinggrip 26 also includes a bottom annular end knob 28 and a top annular endknob 30, similar to the locking grip 18, as well as a gripping portion32 for a batter to grip with his or her top hand. The handle grippingportions 24, 32 may be covered with a leather or fabric wrap, foam grip,or other suitable grip material. Preferably, the handle grippingportions 24, 32 have the same diameter and the covering for each is thesubstantially the same. One or both of the handle gripping portions 24,32 can be provided with grooves for proper finger and hand alignment.

The barrel end cap 15 is fixed to the end of the barrel 14, such as bywelding or any other suitable means known in the art for attaching anend cap to a bat barrel so that it can withstand the impact of hittinglive pitching. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the end cap 15 has athreaded portion 17 complementary to a threaded opening 19 in the end ofbarrel 14 such that the end cap 15 can be screwed into the end of thebarrel 14. The barrel end cap 15 has a threaded bore 30 for receiving aremovable weighted barrel plug 31. The barrel plug 31 is removable sothat plugs of various weights can be used to provide different weightloads to the barrel 14.

The grips 18, 26 are made of a durable material that is capable ofwithstanding repetitive impacts of hitting live pitching with the swingtraining bat 10. One suitable material is aluminum. Referring to FIGS. 2and 3, one embodiment of a locking grip 18 suitable for fabrication fromaluminum is shown in more detail. As shown in FIG. 2, the locking gripbottom end knob 20, gripping portion 24 and top end knob 22 arefabricated as a unitary piece. An axial bore 34 extends through thelocking grip 18 and each of the end knobs 20, 22. The locking grip bore34 is sized to closely accept the handle 12 and to allow the lockinggrip 18 to easily be moved along the length of the handle 12 so that theposition of the locking grip 18 along the bat handle 12 can be adjusted.

Still referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the axial bore 34 forms apertures 36,38 in the end knobs 20, 22, respectively. The size of the end knobapertures 36, 38 can be adjusted so that each of the end knobs 20, 22clamps onto the bat handle 12 and lock the locking grip 18 in a fixedposition on the bat handle 12. Each end knob 20, 22 is split by a slot40 in the end knob 20, 22 that extends from an outer surface 42 of theend knob 20, 22 to the aperture 36, 38 in a plane that is generallyparallel to and intersects the grip longitudinal axis A. A threadedclamping screw hole 44 is disposed in each of the end knobs 20, 22 foraccepting a clamping screw or bolt 46. The screw holes 44 are generallyperpendicular to and extend across the slots 40. The screw holes 44 arethreaded and sized to accept the clamping screw 46 and includes acountersink 48 so that the heads of the clamping screws 46 do notprotrude beyond the end knob outer surface 42 when the clamping screwtightened in the screw hole 44. Parting cuts 50 are disposed in an outerperipheral portion of the end knobs 20, 22. Each of the parting cuts 50lies in a plane that is generally parallel to and intersects the griplongitudinal axis A. A transverse slot 52 is formed in the grippingmember 24 adjacent each of the end knobs 20, 22 and in a plane generallyperpendicular to grip longitudinal axis A. The transverse slots 52extend slightly more than half way across the diameter of the grippingmember 24. The transverse slots 52 serves to separate a generallysemicircular portion of the end knobs 20, 22 from the gripping member24. The transverse slots 52 and the parting cuts 50 allow the split endknobs 20, 22 to act as clamps by reducing the size of the end knobapertures 36, 38 as the clamping screws 46 are tightened in the screwholes 44, causing the annular end knobs 20, 22 to clamp tightly onto thebat handle 12. In this configuration, the end knobs 20, 22 can functionas clamps to lock the locking grip 18 in place on the bat handle 12. Byloosening the clamping screws 46, the position of the locking grip 18can be adjusted on the bat handle 12 before locking it in place. Thisallows a batter to adjust the position of his or her lower hand on thebat 10, depending on the needs and demands of the batter.

Referring to FIG. 4, an embodiment of a sliding grip 26 suitable forfabrication from aluminum is shown in more detail. As shown in FIG. 4,the sliding grip bottom end knob 28, gripping portion 32 and top endknob 30 are fabricated as a unitary piece. An axial bore 54 extendsthrough the sliding grip 26 and each of the end knobs 28, 30. Thesliding grip bore 54 is sized to closely accept the handle 12 and toallow the sliding grip 26 to easily be moved along the length of thehandle 12. The axial bore 54 includes a tapered section 56 near the topend knob 30 to accommodate at least a portion of the enlarged diameterof the bat tapered section 13. Preferably, the axial bore 54 is coatedwith a material to reduce friction with the handle 12, such as a Tefloncoating. The top end knob 30 has a construction similar to thatpreviously described for the locking grip end knobs 20, 22. This allowsthe size of the top end knob aperture 58 to be adjusted so that the endknob 30 can act as a stop to prevent the sliding grip 26 from slidingbeyond a point on the bat body 11 having a diameter greater than that ofthe end knob aperture 58.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, an embodiment of the bat end knob is shownin more detail. The end knob 16 includes a knob portion 60 and aweighted rod 62. A part of the weighted rod 62 is provided with screwthreads 64. The interior of the bat handle 12 is hollow to accommodateof the rod 62. The rod 62 may vary in weight and length to provide endknobs 16 of different weights. The rod 62 terminates in a screwdrivertool 70 for tightening the clamping screws on the grips 18, 26. The endof the bat handle 12 includes a threaded hole (not shown), with threadscomplementary to the end knob screw threads 64, into which the end knob16 may be screwed to secure the end knob 16 to the end of the bat handle12. An elastomeric O-ring 68 positioned adjacent the screw threads 64can be used to help secure the end knob 16 so that it does not comeloose during use of the swing training bat 10. When the end knob 16 isscrewed into the handle 12 in this manner, the end knob weighted rod 62extends into the interior of the shaft 12. End knobs having differentweights can be used to provide more or less weight in the shaft 12 andto adjust the balance of the swing training bat 10, depending on theneeds and demands of the batter.

The swing training bat 10 of FIG. 1 is assembled for use by sliding thesliding grip 26 onto the bat handle 12 then mounting the locking grip 18on the bat handle between the sliding grip 26 and the end of the bathandle 12. The locking grip 18 is positioned on the bat handle 12 andlocked by tightening clamping screws (not shown). A barrel plug 31 ofthe desired weight is screwed into the end cap 15 and an end knob 16 ofthe desired weight is screwed into the bat handle 12. The weights of thebarrel plug 31 and end knob 16 are selected to provide the desiredoverall bat weight and to counterbalance each other so as to give thetraining bat 10 a balance similar to that of a bat used in a gamesituation.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, another embodiment of the swing training bat10 is shown. In this embodiment the swing training bat 10 includes a batbody 11, barrel end cap 15, end knob 16 similar to the embodiment ofFIG. 1. The locking grip 18 has a bottom annular end knob 20, a topannular end knob 22 and a gripping portion 24 for a batter to grip withhis or her bottom hand similar to the embodiment of FIG. 1, but the endknobs are not designed to clamp the batting handle 12. Instead, pin 80is inserted through a hole in the handle 12. The pin seats in a groove82 in the top of the locking grip end knob 22 to prevent the lockinggrip from sliding up the handle 12. A spacer ring 84 is positioned onthe handle 11 between the locking handle lower end knob and the bat endknob 16 to prevent the locking grip 18 from sliding toward the end knob16. The sliding grip 26 is mounted over the handle 12, as previouslydescribed, so that it can move along the shaft 12 between the barrel 14and the locking grip top end knob 22. An adjustable collet 86 serves asan upper stop for the sliding grip 26. The spacer ring 84 and collet 86can be made of plastic or any other suitable material.

Referring to FIGS. 9A-E, a typical use of the swing training bat 10 isshown. A batter 100 grips the swing training bat 10 with the bottom hand102 on the locking grip 18 and the top hand 104 on the sliding grip 26.In the initial or starting position, as shown in FIG. 10A, the usermoves the sliding grip 26 toward the barrel 14 until the user reaches acomfortable arm extension or the sliding grip 26 reaches its stoppingpoint on the bat tapered section 13. Thus in the starting position, theuser's hands are spaced apart, the spacing varying depending on theuser's size and reach.

As the batter begins to swing the bat 10, the sliding grip 26 is movedalong the shaft 12 toward the locking grip 18, as shown in FIG. 9B. Asthe batter continues the swing (see FIG. 9C), the sliding grip 26 ismoved further along the shaft 12 until the sliding grip 26 is stopped bythe locking grip top end knob 22. The sliding grip allows the batter tolearn to maintain better leverage and control over the bat barrel andhelps develop the desired swing mechanics. The sliding action of thesliding grip 26 helps teach the batter to bring the bat through theswing so that the barrel 14 meets the ball squarely. This action helpsprevent the top wrist from rolling over (see FIG. 9D). If a batterbreaks his or her top wrist or rolls it over prematurely, the bat willslow down and reduce the torque generated by the batter. By maintaininga stiff wrist or a square bat head at the point of impact, this helpsthe batter can generate greater torque and increase his or her maximalrotational speed. Because of the mechanics and the rotational motion ofthe body, a delayed breaking of the wrist angle can cause a significantincrease in bat speed. As the swing progresses the bat barrel 14 lagsbehind, but now as the upper body and the torso and the arms arepropelling forward at maximal speed, they create a whipping actioncausing the bat barrel to speed up greatly (FIG. 9D).

At the completion of the swing, as shown in FIG. 9E, the batter's hands102, 104 are in close proximity, much like on a conventional baseballbat. At this point, the sliding grip bottom knob 28 contacts the lockedhandle top knob 22.

Using the bat in this manner causes the batter to swing the bat barrel14 with the proper neuromuscular mechanics described above. Thecounterbalance action of the swing training bat 10 recruits the propermuscle groups that drive the bat head toward the ball. By adjusting theremovable weights, the balance of the swing training bat 10 can beadjusted to be more like that of a conventional bat than previous swingtraining devices

Significantly, because the swing training bat body 11 utilizes the shapeof a conventional bat, it can be used to hit “live” pitching, i.e. ballspitched by a person or a pitching machine. This allows the user to moreclosely simulate a game batting situation, to teach the body theneuromuscular mechanics used during the actual game movement or skillmovement and to get immediate feedback as to the effectiveness of theswing.

When used as described herein, the swing training bat 10 helps improvethe biomechanics of the batter's swing. It helps the batter to develop asmooth, precise swing and teaches the batter to take the bat headdirectly to the baseball. It helps the batter to use the correct bodymovement to generate torque around a center axis running down throughthe middle of the body to provide maximum rotation speed and increasethe force at impact with the ball. Adjusting the weight of the bat,balancing the bat using the weight counterbalance system and using theleverage provided from the sliding action of the sliding grip helps thebatter to stay fixed on a center swing axis and develop more torque withhis or her body, thereby creating a whipping action in the swing.

With repetitive practice swings using the trainer 10, proper form andtechnique should eventually become sufficiently developed so that theperson will duplicate such form and technique when swinging aconventional baseball bat. As the user becomes increasingly proficientusing the swing trainer 10, the user can increase the weight of theswing training bat 10 while still maintaining a proper bat balance byincreasing the weight in the barrel 16 and the counterbalancing weightin the handle 12. As a user's skill and physical requirements change,the position of the locking grip 18 on the handle 12 can be altered toaccommodate the changes.

From the foregoing, it can be seen that the present invention provides anumber of advantages. Using the swing training bat and method of theinvention, an inexperienced batter can learn how to swing a bat properlyand with the correct technique. Similarly, an experienced batter can usethe trainer to improve his or her current swing technique or to increasethe power behind an already perfected swing. It can be used to hit livepitching, thereby providing immediate instructional feedback as thebatter sees the ball come off the bat. The counterbalanced weightingsystem of the bat can be used to increase the batter's strength andconditioning while at the same time providing proper bat balance and“feel.” The bat promotes driving the barrel directly to the baseball andin toward the body to generate more torque. The swing training bat putsthe body in the proper torque position, which is crucial to anyeffective swing. The swing training bat helps to create a square impactby teaching the batter not to break his or her wrists until aftercontact with the ball. The bat can be used to improve a batter's swing,strength, mechanics and power, regardless of the ability level or age ofthe batter.

While certain preferred embodiments and methods of the invention havebeen described, these have been presented by way of example only, andare not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Additionaladvantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in theart. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited tothe specific embodiments, methods and conditions described herein, whichare not meant to and should not be construed to limit the scope of theinvention. Accordingly, departures may be made from such embodiments andmethods, variations may be made from such conditions, and deviations maybe made from the details described herein without departing from thespirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by theappended claims and their equivalents.

1. A swing training bat comprising: a bat body having a handle, a barreland a tapered section joining the handle, the bat body being adapted forhitting a pitched ball; a locking grip adjustably fixed to the handleand having a bottom end knob and a top end knob; a sliding grip mountedon the handle and movable between the locking grip and the barrel; thesliding grip having a bottom end knob for stopping the movement of thesliding grip in the direction of the locking grip; and means forstopping movement of the sliding grip in the direction of the barrel. 2.The swing training bat of claim 1 wherein the bat body is fabricatedfrom metal.
 3. The swing training bat of claim 1 wherein the bat body isfabricated from aluminum.
 4. The swing training bat of claim 1, whereinthe barrel is hollow and bat includes weighted members adapted to beinserted and secured into barrel.
 5. The swing training bat of claim 1,wherein the handle is hollow and the bat includes weighted membersadapted to be inserted and secured into the handle.
 6. The swingtraining bat of claim 1 further comprising an end knob that is removableand interchangeable with end knobs of differing weights.
 7. The swingtraining bat of claim 1 wherein a person may place one hand on thelocking grip and the other hand on the sliding grip and the person maysimulate batting by swinging the bat while simultaneously moving thesliding grip along the bat body from a first position near the barrel toa second position near the locking grip.
 8. The swing training bat ofclaim 1 wherein the locking grip comprises an end knob adapted to clampthe locking grip to the handle.
 9. The swing training bat of claim 1wherein the means for stopping movement of the sliding grip in thedirection of the barrel comprises an end knob adapted to clamp therestrict the movement of the sliding grip in the direction of thebarrel.
 10. The swing training bat of claim 1 wherein the means forstopping movement of the sliding grip in the direction of the barrelcomprises a collet secured to the bat body.
 11. The article of claim 1wherein the handle and the barrel are adapted to receive interchangeableweighted inserts.
 12. The swing training bat of claim 1 wherein thelocking grip and the sliding grip comprise aluminum.